Pages tagged "Board"

When it comes to hiring new board members, everyone wants the right people on the team. Dozens of resources focus on how to probe a candidate’s qualifications as well as their willingness to make the time commitment. Yet cultural fit often remains a mystery.

Earlier this month, YNPN National began onboarding eight new and talented Board members. Every year we work to improve our board recruitment, onboarding, and engagement. We want the right people on the team, which means we focus on qualifications, motivation, and cultural fit. We talk about our culture openly in our outreach, interviews, and calibration process.

Culture has become a bit of a buzzword lately. The idea of “cultural fit” became popular during the development of organizational psychology in the 1970s, but many myths about organizational culture remain.

As we kick off 2015, let’s take some time to examine a few of the most common myths around hiring board members for cultural fit and how YNPN approaches board culture.

Myth 1: Your mission statement defines your culture.

Mission, values, and vision statements can mirror culture, but organizational culture is based on shared attitudes, unwritten rules, and even traditions developed over time.

At YNPN, we talk consistently and formally about our board’s culture during every board meeting and informally through our internal communications. We talk openly about the behaviors we believe in, model, and articulate externally.

During the recruitment process, we look for leaders who successfully develop collaborative remote relationships, who listen thoughtfully during strategic conversations, and who stay flexible and resilient when uncertainty exists. And we ask directly about these behaviors in our recruiting outreach, interviews, reference conversations, and our candidate calibration. But we also look for endurance, which brings us to our next myth.

Myth 2: Urgency trumps everything.

Many of us have worked in cultures where “bias to action” was encouraged at all costs. Yet often that leads to reactive tactics fueled by adrenaline and shortcuts. The conventional wisdom about interview questions encourages us to ask candidates about working under pressure, making quick decisions, and re-prioritizing goals on the fly.

We see things differently at YNPN. We want someone to articulate a passion for our mission that translates into a strategic sense of urgency. In addition to urgency, expanding our national movement requires endurance. Endurance is inconvenient when you’re focused on short-term goals and quick turnaround, but a strategic sense of urgency for our mission that prizes being around for the long haul is what will sustain us through the ever-changing challenges we face.

Myth 3: Teammates who fit will hit the ground running.

In many industries and organizations, leaders prioritize “hiring for fit” so that new employees immediately impact short-term financial results. Investing in anything but a short onboarding is seen as low ROI. I often hear from managers who argue that when you hire for fit, you can speed through onboarding and move to revenue generation.

And as on any strong board, YNPN National Board members are responsible for growing revenue and supporting financial sustainability. Rather than speed through onboarding, we are intentional about our new board members’ First 90 Days. We create space for new relationships to form, both with peers and with Board leadership, and for the content and format of each new board member’s engagement to take shape. We believe that this is how we’ll maximize the value of each board member’s unique contributions.

Myth 4: Ask a candidate about her idea of an ideal culture.

“Describe the working environment that enables you to work at your best,” is a commonly recommended question to probe for culture fit. The thinking is that people who describe something similar to your existing way of working are a good cultural fit. But evaluating candidates in this way can lead you to select people who might not be able to bring fresh perspectives that will help keep your culture healthy.

At YNPN we’d rather hear about what stops you from performing at your best, or what teammates can do to hold you accountable when you’re feeling overwhelmed. A successful culture can encourage people to work together across differences in preference and style. Which brings us to our final myth...

Myth 5: Board culture is one-size-fits all.

We aim to tell board applicants who we are and what it’s honestly like to work alongside us, but we must balance fresh perspectives with existing board culture.

Why? Because we look for people whose primary motive is to advance our mission and sometimes that requires changing and adapting. Great leaders are learners and listeners, and as we strive to lead this crucial national movement, we surely have many more organizational myths to bust along the way.

What are some myths (and truths) about organizational culture that you’ve seen?

Kate Capossela, Board Development Committee Chair

Kate Capossela, MBA serves on the YNPN National Board, where she leads the Board Development Committee, which oversees several board functions, including recruitment. She is a passionate advocate for strengthening nonprofit management, especially talent development, and she has served in leadership roles at national nonprofits, grassroots organizations, and the private sector. She lives in San Francisco. If you're interested in exploring organizational culture further, Kate recommends The Psychology of Behavior at Work

On the 5th day of #12daysofYNPN, we are thankful for our five, extraordinary board members who rolled off this year. This year, five of our stellar board members rolled off to continue tackling their ambitions and transforming the social sector with their own talents and skillsets. We are so grateful for the time they spent serving YNPN in these critical, formative years: helping us establish a sense of identity, direction and purpose that will truly enable us to build a diverse and empowered social sector. They have brainstromed with us, fundrasied with us and encouraged us throughout the way.When we think of you leaving, we look like this:

http://giphy.com/embed/5xaOcLPHGQd8eD5o3w4?html5=true

Because we'll miss you so, so much... but we're also Lorde-esque proud of you and know you're about to go create awesome change in the sector and keep serving!

You may have heard that applications for the YNPN National Board will open on August 1.

If you're a nonprofit rockstar who is passionate about YNPN and our work, we hope that you'll think about applying and we encourage you to learn more about the application process before it opens on August 1.

In the meantime, hear what current board members have to say about their awesome experiences on the YNPN National Board.

Jessie Bustamente

If you ever want to feel empowered to make things happen, join the YNPN National Board. This group is the most motivated, career-driven, intelligent young nonprofit leaders I have ever met. When I first heard about the opportunity to join I immediately jumped on it, not knowing if I had what it took to join the ranks.

The minute I stepped into my first board meeting I was petrified… but the Board was so welcoming & supportive that I fit right in. This group of individuals has challenged me to think strategically and tactically, at the same time. We are moving projects forward at this instant and also thinking how YNPN will look in 10, 20, 30 years. The Board experience at YNPN has been a tremendous growing opportunity for me & I wouldn’t change it for anything. I am excited to spend another 2 years serving & hope you consider joining too… trust me, it’ll be one of the best decisions you ever make in your career.

Qyana Stewart

I joined the National Board in 2012 and have been hooked ever since. I was recently asked when I planned to term off the board and had difficulty providing a response. True, all good thing must come to an end, but the thought of me not being a part of a team of some of the wittiest, funniest, most supportive, smartest people I know, was a bit daunting. When you are surrounded by true leadership and true friendship, it’s challenging to imagine not being around, not being a part of the process that makes our network as strong as it is, not being connected to some of the most hard-working, dedicated and committed chapter leaders I have seen in any organization.

Two years later and I am still as pumped and enthusiastic about YNPN as I was when I first joined the National Board. The time and dedication National Board members devote to strengthening and growing our network is truly commendable. The amount of growth, just within the past two years, speaks to our desire to provide our network with the best resources, opportunities and experiences; and we are doing it! We continue to strive for excellence and are always looking for new talent to push us farther than we thought possible. So, for now, I guess YNPN National is stuck with me because I am surely stuck on them!

Earlier this year we welcomed three new members to the YNPN National Board. We wanted to take a brief moment to introduce you to some of the people who will be helping guide YNPN for the next two years. Please help us welcome Karl, Amber, and Ivan!

Karl Shaddock

Karl Shaddock

What do you do?

I’m Development Coordinator for Nebraska Community Foundation’s southwest region. I work with 24 communities across a 17,000 square mile region of the state to organize, train and provide technical assistance to local volunteers who are interested in forming and growing community foundations in their hometowns. Nebraska Community Foundation employs a unique, grass-roots based model that uses philanthropy as a tool for community development. NCF empowers local leaders to raise their own funds and make their own grants based on their local community development priorities.

Are you affiliated with a local chapter?

No. Unfortunately, I’ve never lived in a city that has a local chapter – this is due mainly to my passion for living and working in rural communities.

Why did you apply for the YNPN National Board?

I believe strongly in YNPN’s mission and vision - YNPN works to advance a diverse and powerful social sector by activating emerging leaders led by the belief that stronger communities are built by a network of inspired and engaged leaders. YNPN approaches its work through an optimistic, asset-based development framework that I find inspiring.

Serving on the YNPN National board member allows me to network and learn among a group of diverse, engaged young leaders from across the country who work for a host of prominent social service, fundraising and philanthropic organizations across the country.

I serve on the YNPN National board to expand my network and engage with other emerging thought leaders. My work with NCF is challenging and fulfilling, but I am excited by the opportunity to engage with a network of peers that I can learn from and with. YNPN will challenge me to make an impact as I get to know other young people who are passionate and engaged with the issues that motivate me.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Greek yogurt – breakfast, lunch or dinner it doesn’t matter.

What is your spirit animal?

I was once told I had the hair of a golden retriever dog, so I’ll go with that.

If you could describe yourself with a gif, what would it be?

Amber Cruz

Amber Cruz

What do you do?

I am the Strategy Officer for Convening at Lumina Foundation; a private, independent foundation with a goal to increase postsecondary educational attainment in the U.S. to 60% by 2025. In my role I design, plan and implement convenings in support of Lumina's strategic plan. Lumina has an outcomes-based approach focused on helping to design and build an accessible higher education system and mobilize action at the local, state and national level to reach Goal 2025.

Are you affiliated with a local chapter?

I recently relocated from Washington DC to Indianapolis. Over the last couple years I have been involved in the DC Chapter by attending and speaking at their events. I will also be playing an advisory role with the Indy Chapter.

Why did you apply for the YNPN National Board?

I'm passionate about the next generation of nonprofit leaders who want to change the world. I believe YNPN plays an important role in the sector by connecting emerging leaders with opportunities to develop their leadership skills, build their network and make an impact in their community.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

As a baker, I have quite the sweet tooth. I somehow always find room for dessert! So I could probably live on chocolate for the rest of my life.

What is your spirit animal?

According to my Myers Brigg personality, my ENFJ = a dog: social butterflies who are cheerleaders and supporters...the living embodiment of a "team player."

If you could describe yourself with a gif, what would it be?

I wish I was this:

but most days I'm this:

Ivan Canada

Ivan Canada

What do you do?

I work for an organization that seeks to build compassionate and just communities free of bias, bigotry and racism. My role within The National Conference for Community and Justice of the Piedmont Triad, Inc (NCCJ) is Senior Director of Development, Communications and Strategic Partnerships.

Why did you apply for the YNPN National Board?

I wanted to be a part of a larger movement of young professionals dedicated to advancing their skills, experiences and ultimately their careers while doing amazing work within the sector that makes communities better across the country. And I wanted help the organization expand its reach to provide more opportunities for young adults working in the social sector.

If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?

Indian food!

What is your spirit animal?

A bunny--people that know me say I'm like the Energizer Bunny because I'm always doing something and seem to make time for everything.

If you could describe yourself with a gif, what would it be?

Because I like making connections, building relationships and connecting people:

We've heard feedback that you'd like more opportunities connect and engage with other members across the network.So we're giving a YNPN National Book Club a test drive to bring emerging leaders from around the country together to discuss issues that challenge and inspire us all.

The Book

During the month of April we'll be discussing "Everyone Leads: Building Leadership from the Community Up" by Paul Schmitz. Paul is the outgoing CEO of Public Allies and a longtime friend of YNPN. Drawing on more than two decades of Public Allies' work and real examples from communities across the country, "Everyone Leads" discusses how we can develop leaders and organizational models that will help us solve the problems of the 21st century in an inclusive and community-focused way.

The Discount

We've partnered with Jossey-Bass, a Wiley imprint, to offer our members a 40% discount on "Everyone Leads." To receive the discount, purchase the book through Wiley.com and use promo code YNBC4. They have both hardcover and e-book versions available for purchase.

The Author Event

We're working with Paul Schmitz to set up a virtual author event where YNPN members can engage with Paul and ask questions about the book and its themes. The date is still TBD, but we'll be announcing it on social media soon.

Other Opportunities to Engage

Next month our blog content will be focused on the book and its themes. In addition to our author event, we'll also be hosting a few Twitter chats to give members an opportunity to connect and discuss virtually.

If you're interested in hosting an in-person book club meeting with your local chapter, reach out to your chapter leaders. We hope that in addition to the virtual meetings we'll be hosting, local YNPs will meet to in person to discuss the book and its transformational ideas on leadership.

If you have any questions, feedback, or suggestions, please don't hesitate to reach out to Jamie Smith, our Communications Fellow, at communications@ynpn.org. We hope you'll share this with your friends and professional networks and that you'll join us for "Everyone Leads!"

In November, our National Board and Launchpad Fellows met in Baltimore at the Annie E. Casey Foundation to review the work of 2013 and get ready for 2014.

This year, YNPN National has invested in important infrastructure, like our improvements to the Wordpress platform used by National and many of our local chapters. We also refreshed our mission and vision statements to make sure that they expressed what we hope to accomplish across the network and the nation.

We also embarked on a Theory of Change process that will inform our next phase of growth and impact as an organization. Throughout 2013, we have been consulting with our National Board, local Chapter Leaders, and experts to identify how we can best support our chapters and partners. As we compile the final data and reports, this information will be used to create a strategic framework that will maximize our impact and help us reach our full potential.

Our National Board, staff, and Launchpad Fellows have been thinking big and bold about the future of YNPN. One of the biggest highlights of 2013 has been laying the groundwork for 2014 and beyond. We're looking forward to making next year and the years ahead even better than this one, and we hope you'll join us on the journey!

YNPN National Board during their November Retreat at the Annie E. Casey Foundation in Baltimore

Castle Pub was energetic and vibrant as YNPN Chicago celebrated its Board Meet and Greet. It was great to see the overwhelming response of YNPN members who are interested in board service. While mingling with prospective recruits, I reflected on my own personal journey as a member of the YNPN Chicago Board and the valuable lessons, as well as experiences, that I have learned throughout my tenure.

It is exciting to be a part of a member-driven, all-volunteer, working board of young nonprofit professionals committed to enhancing the sector, but there are three key things that I have learned during my time with YNPN that I would like for those considering board service to think about:

You Are the Workhorse – Being a part of a board will require completing tasks independently, or in a team, in order to assist with the organization’s strategic plan, mission, and vision. Often times, people assume that board involvement has little to no responsibilities aside from attending meetings, so you’ll often overhear comments like this:

“Huh…this is so much work.”

“I didn’t’ think I was going to be responsible with actually executing the idea I presented in the meeting.”

“Can’t somebody else take on the responsibility?”

My YNPN colleague, Aaron House, explained this concept best in his blog, “A Board Service.” You will be expected to be accountable for taking on tasks outside of the board room. In short, you are the workhorse.

You Create the Experience – Aside from the work that is expected, there will be plenty of opportunities to attend board events, functions, and meetings. This is a great opportunity to get to know your peers and meet new meet people. If you choose not to attend or if you limit yourself from engaging in those extracurricular activities, then your board experience will, more than likely, not be as enjoyable or fulfilling as it could be. The whole purpose of board participation is growing personally and professionally while connecting with individuals that could aid both in your career and personal lives. Connect. Engage. Create a memorable experience!

You Make a Commitment – Board terms last 1-2 years. That can seem like a pretty long time for a young professional, especially when you don’t know what kind of life circumstance you will face such as family, relationship, school, or career changes. Despite these circumstances you should honor your term commitment. Doing so not only demonstrates steadfastness, but your ability to respect your peers who joined hoping to have your support in board service. Not to mention, it also helps to build your character.

As I end my board service with YNPN Chicago, I will take with me not only these key lessons, but a phenomenal experience that allowed me to meet new people, learn about other nonprofit organizations, and develop new skills which helped me to grow personally and professionally. Take it from me…be accountable, enjoy your board service, and honor the commitment that you accepted. It is worth it.

For many people, being a board member conjures up images of wealthy people writing checks and hosting fundraisers. While supporting the financial well being of a nonprofit is certainly part of a board member’s responsibility, there is a range of roles that board members can play and plenty of opportunities for people to volunteer their time and talent to support an organization they love.

This month I celebrate my one-year anniversary as a member of the Young Nonprofit Professionals NetworkNational Board. I joined the YNPN Board because I understand the importance of supporting and cultivating the next generation of nonprofit leaders, which will help ensure the sustainability of the sector in the long-term.

As a result of my pro bono work with YNPN’s National Director in the months prior to joining the board, I felt excited for this opportunity not only to give back by sharing my expertise, but also to gain new skills. This first anniversary has me thinking about some of what I have learned in the last year from this experience. I thought that it would be worthwhile to share a few specific ways that my board service has helped my career and how it might help yours, too:

Expand your network

A big responsibility of being on a board is raising awareness and funds for the organization. As a result, I have had the opportunity to connect with supporters from a variety of places.

For example, in the last year, I have come into direct contact with officials from well-known foundations, many leaders and members of YNPN chapters from across the country, some of the generous sponsors of our National Leaders Conference, and some of our strategic partners. By connecting with all of these people, I can get their assistance in pushing YNPN forward, but I also have the opportunity to deepen our relationship in the future. Since first being introduced to the writings of Keith Ferrazzi and his colleagues at Ferrazzi Greenlight, I have made it my business to build my network before I need it, so that it’s vital and ready whenever I need to call upon people in it; this strategy allows me to have greater long-term reach in my personal and professional lives.

Raise your profile in your organization and profession

By being on a board, I not only expanded my network but I also picked up new skills, ideas, and opportunities for my full-time work.Just talking about some of the work I have been doing on the YNPN National Board has led to some interesting conversations at work and (I hope) displayed my commitment to building a long and successful career in the non-profit sector. Additionally, having direct board experience has definitely rounded out my approach to dealing with the members of the I-House Board of Trustees in all areas.

Strengthen project and team management skills

If you join a board, chances are you’ll join a committee (or a few) which means you’ll have to learn quickly how to manage projects and teams in order to help move the organization forward.

Personally, I have had to step up my game when it comes to project and team management, especially because we do the bulk of our work remotely. Managing your work as part of a team and assuring that the team moves forward is hard enough when done face-to-face, but requires extra focus and greater attention to detail when done remotely. These skills have surely bled over into my professional life as I have found myself being as clear as possible about strategy and goals, while also striving to be kept accountable as I keep my co-workers accountable.

Become a better coach

While being a board member can certainly help you grow your network, the real impact and change come when you do some hands-on work, specifically by helping others reach important goals.

At my first National Board Retreat, I led an informal session on fundraising to get an idea of how comfortable my fellow members were with fundraising concepts and making the ask. After establishing this baseline, I have partnered with my colleagues on the Board Development Committee to provide resources to deepen our collective fundraising knowledge and have worked one-on-one with each member on their personal giving & fundraising goals for the year. This individual work has allowed me to build coaching skills that will come in handy in my own efforts to better integrate the members of my organization’s board into the full spectrum of our fundraising program.

For those readers who are currently on boards or recently served on one, what skills did you gain and how did that impact your work?For those who have not yet sat on a board, what would you like to get out of this service? And if you are considering it, what is giving you pause?

Dan is the Assistant Director of Development, Individual Giving at International House, a residential learning community primarily for international graduate students pursuing their studies in the Greater New York region. In this role, he oversees the annual fund, major gifts and planned giving portfolios. Dan blogs about fundraising and non-profit management issues at The Good Steward.

You’re interested in developing your professional skills, but haven’t taken action. Why not? Chances are that you – or your nonprofit organization – are operating under a common professional development myth. I’ve outlined four of these myths below, including reasons they shouldn’t hold you back from developing your best professional self. Hopefully I can convince you and you can convince your organization to invest in professional development.

MYTH #1: It only benefits the individual

Some nonprofits are hesitant to invest time and funds in professional development because they believe it only benefits you, the individual. They worry their investment will walk out the door if you leave the organization. This viewpoint is short-sighted. Yes, the individual gains from professional development opportunities. But having a representative from your organization at conferences, seminars and events is a great opportunity to educate the nonprofit community about your organization’s mission and programs. Having a presence at these events also allows for new partnerships between organizations. Finally, the individual attending – you! – will bring new knowledge back to the organization that can then be applied to programs over the long term.

MYTH #2: It’s expensive

Sure, some professional development opportunities are expensive. But you can also find a number of low-cost or free events. YNPN-TC is a great place to start, offering monthly events at little or no cost. In addition, some more costly events offer scholarships or allow discounted rates for volunteers. If the cost is prohibitive, don’t be afraid to ask if opportunities exist to make the event more affordable.

MYTH #3: Networking doesn’t count

Talking one-on-one with someone over a drink can be just as valuable – or more so – than sitting through a lecture and PowerPoint. People meet and connect with colleagues in many ways, and networking events are one of those opportunities. There’s nothing wrong with having fun while you’re developing your network, as long as you keep it professional. Sometimes the best connections made are those one-off conversations that lead to a new partnership for your organization or a new opportunity for you personally.

MYTH #4: You can’t do it without your organization’s support

While it’s great when your organization supports professional development, this unfortunately isn’t always the case. Don’t let it hold you back. There are many professional development opportunities that take place outside work hours. Happy hour events or weekend conferences are not uncommon, and will allow you to pursue your professional development goals on your own time. Check out the low-cost Minnesota Rising Un/Conference – it’s held in annually in the fall; visit their website this summer for more info on 2013.

Next time you find yourself making an excuse instead of attending a professional development event, make sure one of these myths isn’t behind your reasoning. Take the time to convince your organization – and yourself – that professional development is worth the investment.

Have you run into these, or other, professional development myths? What have you done to overcome them?Do you have a favorite low-cost professional development event or organization?